Users of this web resource are warned that it may contain images and/or references to deceased people, which could cause distress or sadness particularly for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The resource may also contain words and descriptions that could be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in public or community contexts. For example, some information may be considered appropriate for viewing only by men or only by women. The HealthInfoNet respects such culturally sensitive issues, but, for technical reasons, it has not been possible to provide materials in a way that prevents access by a person of the other gender. Users are asked to respect this cultural protocol.

Aboriginal vision program

Reach:

NSW, NT

Focus area:

Indigenous

Status:

Current

Evaluated:

No

Overview

The Aboriginal vision program was established in 1999 in New South Wales (NSW) upon invitation from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC). The program was extended in 2006 to the Northern Territory (NT), working closely with Regional Eye Health Coordinators (REHC) and the associated Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS).

The program was initiated due to the lack of access and under utilisation of eye care services (provided by mainstream hospitals, private optometrists and medical eye care practitioners) by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Optometry services are provided by the Foundation staff optometrists and contracted locum optometrists, with 93 optometrists currently participating in the program.

The Foundation established and currently supports 111 eye clinics in remote and regional locations across NSW and 75 locations in the Northern Territory. The majority of the locations are identified as a national priority (communities in need of visiting optometry services according to the Visiting Optometrists Service, Department of Health and Ageing - a major funder for our outreach optometry services). Clinics are conducted within ACCHS facilities and organised by the REHCs, working with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS).

The program has:

conducted over 35,000 examinations in NSW

conducted over 10,000 examinations in the NT

trained over 119 personnel in eye care services.

The partnerships have ensured programs are developed in accordance with community needs and cultural sensitivities. It has also involved the collaboration with a number of state, federal, community and professional organisations and individuals. This has provided efficiencies in service and resource provision, essential to the sustainability of the program.